You deserve a real (good) French teacher
I’m Estelle Materne, a native French teacher with over 15 years of international teaching experience and a deep love for languages, culture, and meaningful human connection.
I founded Parlons French in early 2024 in Birmingham, Michigan, for adultes who want more Thant surface-level learning. Today, I’m back in France, based in Besançon, where I continue to support learners worldwide, combining international experience with a deep connection to French culture.
My goal is to help you build a deeper, more authentic relationship with French — one that feels alive, practical, and truly connected to real life in France.
Deep understanding of Anglophone Learners
Having taught in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, China, and the United States, I understand how English-speaking adults think, where they typically struggle, and what frustrates them most when learning French. This allows me to guide students intelligently, offer explanations that truly make sense and share the key French Culture tips to avoid cultural faux-pas.
Warm but High-Standard Teaching
Beyond my qualifications, what matters most to me is the kind of learning experience I create. I combine a human, supportive approach with high expectations, so students feel encouraged while making measurable progress. My classes are engaging, positive, and structured to give learners both clarity and confidence.
Authentic Spoken French
French is a living language, and I focus on teaching how it’s really spoken — not just textbook French. I help students understand idioms, everyday expressions, and subtle nuances, so their communication feels natural, authentic, and culturally informed.
Strong Foundations
Building confidence in speaking French starts with strong foundations in grammar and syntax as well. This solid ground allows learners to progress more quickly, make fewer mistakes, and develop long-term fluency. Combined to real-life practice, students gain the tools to truly master French, not just memorize phrases.
Language and Culture Together
I believe French becomes truly meaningful when it is taught not just as a language, but as a culture, a rhythm, and a way of expressing yourself and understanding others. Every lesson integrates cultural insights, social norms, and real-life contexts to make learning intuitive, relevant, and alive.
Teaching Through the Eyes of a Language Learner
As a multilingual learner myself, I know how vulnerable learning a new language can feel — and how powerful it becomes when you are guided, understood, and encouraged in the right way. I speak English fluently, can communicate in Mandarin, and continue my own journey in Spanish and German. My personal experience with learning languages helps me empathize with students and anticipate common challenges, so you always feel supported.
If you are curious about French language and culture, and want to learn in a way that is both structured and deeply human, you are in the right place. My aim is to help you gain confidence, fluency, and cultural insight, so you can enjoy real conversations, travel with ease, and feel at home in French-speaking environments. Learning French with me is an investment in both language skills and life experiences.
Ready to Start Speaking French Confidently?
If you’re curious about French language and culture and want to learn in a way that is both structured and deeply human, let’s get started!
Leave your email below to receive my upcoming availability and book your first lesson at 50% off. It’s the perfect way to start building strong foundations, clear pronunciation, and real-life confidence in French.
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